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Dunwich Hall centenary celebrations

November 25, 2013

Help celebrate the centenary and colourful history of Dunwich’s popular community hall at a special event on Tuesday 10 December.

The day, which will kick off at 10am, will feature an exhibition presented by North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum, including a talk and historical slideshow on the hall presented by former Queensland Heritage Council member Howard Guille.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said it was fitting that the community should gather to mark the 100th anniversary of such a significant Redlands landmark.

“Dunwich Public Hall is listed on the Queensland, Redland City and National Trust’s heritage registers and boasts a very colourful history as well as continuing to play a vital community role,’’ Cr Williams said.

“The building was once the men’s mess hall at the former Benevolent Asylum on Stradbroke Island, which cared for the aged, infirm and destitute from 1865 until the 1940s.

“Most of the buildings associated with the asylum were relocated or demolished when the facility closed in 1947 but the current building has remained remarkably intact.

“Now, in its 100th year, it continues to be used as a hall to serve the community.’’

Division 2 Councillor for Cleveland and Stradbroke Island Cr Craig Ogilvie extended an open invitation to the event.

“Everyone is welcome to bring their photos and memories of the hall to share and join with us for morning tea,’’ Cr Ogilvie said.

Redland City Council was recently highly commended by the Queensland Heritage Council for its sensitive conservation work at Dunwich Public Hall.

“The hall is quite a treasure, telling a great story of how European and Aboriginal heritage came together,” Cr Ogilvie said.

“The careful and timely conservation work will make sure it will continue to serve the local community into the future and retain its heritage significance.

“It’s big enough for 150 people, making this lovely old brick and timber building an important gathering place for social and cultural events and meetings – and what better event than its centenary.”